I FEEL MILES BETTER THANKS TO MY DAD
Margaret, 31 beats stigma of anxiety as father runs to the rescue
A NURSE who suffered from anxiety and an eating disorder has told of her recovery – after her dad ran 1000 miles to help her cope with the conditions.
Margaret McClung, 31, has had mental health issues since her teens and struggled to speak out as she was worried about how people would react.
So her dad Jim, 50, of Dalrymple, Ayrshire, took up the running challenge to help her recovery by fighting the stigma of mental health problems, while raising awareness.
Margaret, who has run in half marathons and 10ks with Jim, says the runs have brought them closer together, adding: “People have been really supportive since they found out about my illness and it gives me the confidence to speak to people when I’m not feeling great.
“I know who to speak to now about how I’m feeling. I’ve also had people speak to me about how they suffered with depression and ask my advice and where to get help.”
Jim, who has been running daily to clock up the miles, said: “It’s been a good journey. I’m really happy I’ve done it. People have been saying it is an amazing thing to run 1000 miles.
“I did this to raise awareness because I’ve seen the impact mental health and stigma and discrimination can have.”
Machine operator Jim finished his challenge on December 22, the day of his 50th birthday. This week, he handed the £450 he raised for mental health charity See Me.
See Me director Calum Irving said: “What Jim and Margaret have done is amazing and the impact it has had on both of them shows talking about mental health does make a huge difference to people.”